Louise's employees were told Monday of the closing. They'll have the chance to take jobs with other businesses operated by Schmidt, he said. They include Water Street Brewery in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Delafield and Grafton, and Irish bars the Harp and Trinity Three Irish Pubs in downtown Milwaukee.

Schmidt also operates stands at festivals, including State Fair and Irish Fest. He didn't rule out the possibility of reopening Louise's elsewhere.

"Our other restaurants are doing fine," Schmidt said. "We’re looking forward to the Bucks arena," noting that four of his businesses are across the Milwaukee River from the new arena.

The restaurant, which opened as Louise's Trattoria, was an outpost of a California chain that immediately became a popular spot downtown. Waits for tables after its opening were common, despite the restaurant's 140 seats.

Louise's draws a lunchtime crowd from nearby offices, with regulars often ordering their usual, Schmidt said, like the chicken chopped salad.